Saturday, July 19, 2008

NEUROMUSCULAR ORTHODONTIC-ORTHOPEDICS

Over the past 42 years, neuromuscular dentistry has been steadily building its aesthetic orthodontic-orthopedic foundations based on sound bio-physiologic principles. Three key corners stones on which we have been building our foundations of clinical science and treatment philosophy has been in the disciplines of occlusion, TMD and orthodontics, all grounded on bio-medical science and neuromuscular principles.

The lower removable orthotic is used as an "Orthopedic Matrix" to transition the bite.

Verticalization of the teeth, ligaments and underly bone occurs with slow gentle forces.

KEY ONE - A strong occlusal philosophy based on biometric principles has been the first key on which we have built our teachings. Neuromuscular occlusion has effectively been shown to bring to the clinical dentist and team a whole new paradigm of thinking and understanding of what occlusion is really about. The traditional concepts have been further enhanced to realize that the teeth and supporting bone are not stand alone components in our dental health care arena, but rather the joints and muscles are an integral aspect in diagnosing cranial-mandibular orthopedic problems that relate to the complete masticatory postural system.

KEY TWO - The second corner stone that has been developed in our student’s clinical knowledge and skill has been the understanding of the musculoskeletal occlusal signs and symptoms in which the Advanced Orthopedic Dentist has been founded. These foundational concepts have brought to our students an in depth look at the fundamentals to effective diagnosis and clinical treatment skills in identifying the musculoskeletally compromised patient as well as treating these more challenging cases in their dental practices orthopedically.

KEY THREE - The third corner stone to enhance the aesthetic/ neuromuscular concepts has been the development of a strong orthodontic/orthopedic curriculum espousing the neuromuscular occlusion principles and advanced neuromuscular instrumentation to measure and record the bio-physiologic responses of muscle activity and cranio-mandibular relationships. These foundational disciplines have been the core to the understanding and clinical experience for the high-end general dentist and orthodontic specialist who have been searching for clinical answers to further their clinical experience.

Understanding the importance of airway breathing, intra oral cavity development, aberrant tongue containment and positioning along with sound cranio-mandibular orthopedic verticalization techniques allows our clinicians to excell in facial development and optimal occlusal stability of the stomatognathic neuromuscular system.A NEED FOR NEUROMUSCULAR ORTHOPEDIC TREATMENTBased on the prevalence of malocclusion in the general population, it is easy to recognize that there is a large unmet need for orthodontic treatment. There has been no real change in the prevalence of malocclusions over time, or the need for care. However, the demand for care has increased significantly. Narrow arches, airway breathing problems, compromised vertical dimensions of occlusion and under developed smile profiles are just some of the problems that must be addressed in meeting the overall Neuromuscular Goal – facial cosmetics, dental aesthetics, and musculoskeletally balanced occlusion is best met with a complete skill set of knowledge, understanding and abilities to treat orthopedically.The lower anteriors are now verticalized to the neuromuscular position replacing the orthosis. The first molars are the remain teeth to be verticalized to the myocentric position.TRAINING THE DENTIST TO DIAGNOSE ORTHOPEDICALLY
A greater awarness among cosmetic dentists are recognizing that cranial and mandibular bone's can be systematically moved to more optimal relationships. Teeth can be rotated, leveled and aligned to increase occlusal stability. Teeth and surrounding periodontium can be orthopedically grown with light consistent forces, non surgically to establish proper crown to root ratio's with proper techniques. If the general dentist is treating 20-40% of the orthodontics patients in the U.S., many of them do not have the adequate training and capability to effectively diagnose and treat to the level of care possible today. "Our mission is to train dentist in diagnosis and treatment planning based upon sound anatomical/orthopedic concepts with a neuromuscular approach." No case can be diagnosed without adequate records for complete diagnosis:

OCCLUSION CONNECTIONS

FIRST TIMER?

Comprehensive Dentistry includes not only a level of knowledge and understanding, but also clinical skills in addressing the orthodontic/orthopedics. This esteemed discipline is what distinguishes a treating clinician to appreciate a level of diagnosis that enhances the restorative, cosmetic/aesthetic and TMD clinician.Future NM Orthodontic Programs Coming

PROGRAMS & CURRICULUM

AT THE PINNICLE - FUTURENM Orthodontic ProgramsMastering dentistry requires a skill and knowledge base that entails disciplining ones abilities in the use of orthodontic/ orthopedic mechanics. Without these fundamental set of clinical orthodontic/orthopedic techniques it is impossible to understand the neuromuscular and gnathologic concepts to their fullest.

Verticalization techniques from a NM position is an objective, but a foundational awareness of tooth movements and osseous bone development and anchorage is required to appreciate the techniques and methods used to finish the case.